Rectal dilator



June 15, 19 8- A. c. TEDFORD RECTAL DILATOR Filed June 11, 1945 I I m/entar W133i): (1 'T'eaf'oral,

Patented June 15, 1948 STATES 2,443,20 REGTAEL memes. e -on c. Tedford Huntington, W; a Application rung-r1 194st sesam seas-5 1' claim. (or. lea-.345 I "this invention relatestea-rectal dilator-.-

A primary object of this invention is the provision of an improved device for dilating the rectum for the purpose of massaging or stretching the sphincter muscle. I

An additional object of the invention is the provision of such a device which will dilate the sphincter muscle naturally from the interior portion of the rectum.

Another object of the invention is the provision of such a device characterized by a substantial minimum of parts readily disassemblable in such manner that the instrument may be readily cleaned.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and in part be pointed out as the description of the invention proceeds, and shown in the accompanyin drawing, wherein there is disclosed a preferred embodiment of this inventive concept.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially along the center line of one form of device embodying features of the instant inventive concept.

Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the device disclosed in Figure 1, as viewed from the left.

Figure 3 is an end elevational view of the device as viewed from the right.

Figure 4 is a plan view of a constructional detail.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing a modified form of construction.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view similar to Figure 1 but showing a further modified form of construction.

Having reference now to the drawing, wherein similar reference characters denote similar parts, there is shown at I a plate provided with four radial bifurcated portions I I, between which are adapted to be pivotally mounted, as by means of pivot pins I2, extending portions I3 of dilator members I4. The dilator members I4 of the preferred embodiment comprise sectors forming a substantially conical member adapted to be inserted in the rectum.

The outer extremities of the members I3 are bent inwardly, as shown at I and terminate in projecting lugs I6 which are adapted to extend through arcuate slots H in a circular plate I8.

The slots I! are offset from the center of the.

plate I8 in such manner that as the plate I8 is turned, the lugs I6 are moved toward and. away from the center of the plate, which movement serves to expand or contract the members I4, the

pivot-pins t2 serving. as'.fulc1 ums-'-for' the ,movement thereof.: I

The plate I8 is provided with a centrally positioned aperture I9 through which extends a screw 20 provided with a head 2I, the extremity of the screw engaging in a threaded aperture 22 centrally located in the base plate I 0.

As shown in Figure 1, a spacer sleeve 26 embraces the bolt I9 and lies between the plate II] and the plate or knob I8. The spacer thus assures that the bolt I9, while securely holding the members I0 and I8 together, will positively prevent the bolt from pressin member I8 against the ends of members I3 with a resultant binding action,

Thus, it will be seen that the screw 20 serves to hold the parts in related assembly, and that rotation of the plate I8 serves to dilate the conical member comprised of the sectors I4.

Figure 5 discloses a modified form of construction, wherein the members I4, which take the form in cross-section of sectors of a circle, are of substantially less thickness than the previously disclosed members I4, this form of device being particularly adaptable to use for children.

Referring now to the modification disclosed in Figure 6 there is shown at III a plate substantially identical with the plate l0 and provided with four radial bifurcated portions II between which are adapted to be pivotally mounted, as by means of pivot pins I2, extending portions I3 of dilator members I4" which members are substantially identical to dilators I4.

Extending portions I3 are bent inwardly to form substantially right angle portions terminating in bulbous extremities IS. A bolt 20 provided with a head 2| is adapted to extend outwardly through a recess 22 in the center of plate Ill, and has positioned thereabout a coil spring 23 which engages the bulbous extremities I6.

The operation of this modification should be equally obvious in that as the nut '25 is rotated in a direction to cause the same to move toward the plate I, the bulbous extremities I6 will be forced inwardly against the pressure exerted by the spring 23 to cause dilation of the members I4. Conversely as the nut 25 is rotated in the opposite direction, the bias of the spring 23 against washer 24 serves to retract the dilator members I4" to normal position.

In the operation of each form of the device, it will be readily understood that the members I4, I4 or I4" in contracted position may be inserted in the rectum and subsequently expanded by rotation of the plate I8 or nut 25, which rotation all matter herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative and not in a limiting sense;

Iclaim: I A dilator comprising a base plate, a plurality of bifurcated lugs extending from said plate, a plurality of extending members pivotally secured in said bifurcated lugs, said extending members 20 forming sectors of a cone, each of said extending members havin a longitudinally disposed 4 a projection at theend thereof, a rotatable knob disposed parallel to said plate and joumaled thereon, said knob having arcuate cam slots therein, said projections extending into said cam slots for expanding said conical sectors in response to rotation of said knob, a spacer between said knob and said plate and a bolt securing said knob to said plate and extending through said spacer.

'ADDINGTON C. TEDFQRD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 765,879 Campbell July 26, 1904 972,983 Arthur Oct. 18, 1910 1,428,653 Nick Sept. 12, 1922 1,827,497

Varney Oct. 13, 1931 

